Program Manager 1

Program Manager 1

Salary

$61,755.20 - $94,036.80 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50321 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

27-00985

Agency

427 Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing

Opening Date

10/07/2026

Closing Date

10/21/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

Stephanie Callahan; stephanie.callahan@eab.iowa.gov

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

The Iowa Employment Appeal Board (EAB) is seeking a Program Manager 1 (PM1), ideally with expertise in labor issues. The PM1 will manage all non-Unemployment Insurance cases before the Board, administer public collective bargaining elections, and provide administrative assistance to the Boards legal team. A paralegal background is helpful but not required.

Who We Are

At the EAB, our core mission is to offer accessible, timely, fair, and impartial reviews to individuals and entities appealing specific employment-related determinations. We are dedicated to functioning as an efficient, effective, and independent quasi-judicial body. The Board itself comprises three dedicated members who represent public interest, employer interests, and employee interests.

Position Overview

As a Program Manager, you will work under the supervision of the Board members, the attorney responsible for elections, and the Director of Administrative Operations at our office near Valley Junction in Des Moines, Iowa. You will be responsible for enhancing the internal process for handling all non-unemployment insurance related cases, be the primary contact for public collective bargaining elections, and assist the Board's attorneys as required. You will also be responsible for promptly and correctly docketing appeals for the Board which includes, but is not limited to, identifying the correct parties and determining what legal issues will go before the Board.

What We're Seeking

We're looking for a motivated and industrious professional. Successful candidates will:

• Possess a high level of organization skills and be process-driven.
• Manage change with a positive attitude and be part of the solution to any issues that arise.
• Work collaboratively with diverse groups of people.
• Communicate effectively and efficiently.
• Display high standards of professional conduct.
• Be detail-oriented and highly responsive to co-workers, attorneys, the Board, and the public.
• Have experience working with Iowa Unemployment Insurance or Iowa Public Employment Collective Bargaining.

Responsibilities

You will be an integral member of our team, providing leadership and guidance to the department in support of the agency's operations by:

• Managing new, recertification, or decertification elections related to public collective bargaining.
• Directing the process for non-unemployment insurance appeals and notifying parties of the issues to go before the Board.
• Drafting written communication and Board orders to all parties.
• Providing administrative support to the attorneys for cases that are appealed to District Court, Iowa Court of Appeals, and the Iowa Supreme Court.

What We Offer

• Robust benefits, including excellent health, dental, life and vision insurance.
• Teleworking options.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, paid holidays, and sick leave accrual.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care.
• Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) Retirement Package.
• Optional 401A plan with employer contribution.
• Retirement Investors Club (Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan).
• Employee Assistance Program for support when you need it most.
• Access to an on-site employee fitness center.
• Employee Discount Programs from a variety of vendors (vision, cellular, fitness, and more).

For additional information on benefits click here.

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in any field, and experience equal to three years of full-time professional-level work in program administration, program development, program operations, or management.
• A total of seven years of education and/or full-time experience (as described in number one), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience.
• All of the following (a, b, and c): (a) One year of full-time professional-level work experience in program administration, program development, program operations, or management; and (b) A total of four years of education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience; and (c) A total of two years of graduate-level education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university course work in a public-service-related area (e.g., public or business administration, social work, public health, law, education, engineering) equals one year of full-time experience. Graduation from the Iowa Certified Public Manager Program is also equivalent to one year of full-time experience or education.
• Current, continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes thirty months of full-time work as a Program Planner (any level), Management Analyst (any level), or Program Assistant (any level).

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.

Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset - our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

Competitive Compensation:

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendly Total Compensation Calculator. Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind. Click here to learn more about IPERS.

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa? Click here to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!

01

Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely. Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question. Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.

• Yes - I understand and agree.
• No

02

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?

• No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq
• Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

03

Have you graduated from an accredited four year college or university? IF YES - How many years do you have of full-time professional level work in program administration, program development, program operations, or management.

• I have not graduated from an accredited four year college or university
• Less than three years of professional level experience in program administration, program development, program operations, or management
• Three years or more of professional level experience in program administration, program development, program operations, or management

04

How many years do you have of COMBINED post high school education AND/OR experience in program administration, program development, program operations, or management? Thirty semester hours of post high school education equals one year of experience.

• I do not have any of the education and/or experience
• Less than seven years of the education and/or experience
• Seven years or more of the education and/or experience

05

Do you meet A, B and C: (A) One year of full-time professional-level work experience in program administration, program development, program operations, or management; and (B) A total of four years of education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university course work in any field equals one year of full-time experience; and (C) A total of two years of graduate-level education and full-time experience (as described in part a), where twenty-four semester hours of accredited graduate college or university course work in a public-service-related area (e.g., public or business administration, social work, public health, law, education, engineering) equals one year of full-time experience. Graduation from the Iowa Certified Public Manager Program is also equivalent to one year of full-time experience or education.

• Yes - I meet A, B and C
• I do not meet A, B and C

06

Are you a current State of Iowa employee - executive branch? If yes - How many months of experience do you have in one or a combination of the following classifications: Program Planner (any level), Management Analyst (any level), or Program Assistant (any level)?

• I am not a current State of Iowa employee
• I am a current State of Iowa employee but do not have any experience in the classifications identified
• I am a current State of Iowa employee and have less than thirty months of experience in the identified classifications
• I am a current State of Iowa employee and have thirty months or more of experience in the identified classifications

Required Question

Employer State of Iowa

Agency 427 Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing Address 6200 Park Avenue; Suite 1

Des Moines, Iowa, 50321

Website https://dia.iowa.gov/